I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen?
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I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/2/2006 10:49:11 AM
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Action
Posts: 109
Joined: 2/22/2006
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How did you get into the adjusting business?
Needed a job
Friend/acquaintance in the business
Husband/wife couldn't handle it
Asked my adjuster
It's a long story
Other?
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Charlie "Action" Jackson
www.magmagnolia.com
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/2/2006 11:40:07 AM
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goose
Posts: 94
Joined: 4/19/2004
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I am ready to be outcast with JimF, Durham, Khromas, et al. I guess it really is this easy to becaome an adjuster that "I are an adjuster" is the way it is now. But with the difficulties our industry is facing, should it be? I read your profile and you seem like a nice guy. But perception in our business is weak right now. We are front page news in several states and not for the right reasons. This is a great job for those that take it seriously. And I worry that a degrading in professionalism is going to kill all of us.
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/2/2006 12:01:59 PM
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Medulus
Posts: 367
Joined: 4/19/2004
Home base: Lake Ariel, PA
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I cringe at the answers that might be served up to this question.
Many, if not most, of us (I hope this is still true) have a background in either staff adjusting or contracting or have come in through the tutelage of a parent or friend in the field who was willing to show us the right way to do things.
I came in through the front door of staff adjusting and was trained through State Farm, then Nationwide, as an employee before striking out on my own. I spent a couple years, while on staff, taking extra training on the side to prepare for striking out on my own, as well.
By the way, goose. Send me a private message. I'd like to have your email.
_____________________________
Steve Ebner
"With great power comes great responsibility." (Stanley Lieber, Amazing Fantasy # 15 August 1962)
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/2/2006 12:17:50 PM
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Action
Posts: 109
Joined: 2/22/2006
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Goose, please don't misconstrue. When it's hot in the kitchen, I'm as professional and prepared as they come--more so than most.
This is a forum of peers. Are you saying we should be serious here "all the time?" That's no fun. I like to let my hair down, smile, kid, take-the-edge-off,... I see nothing wrong with that, just as I see everything right about being professional when the **** hits the fan. In fact, if you (anyone) don't laugh--when it's appropriate--you'll end up with a heart attack.
Again, this is a forum of peers. I've put up a couple of serious posts. Now, I wonder how some got into this profession. My bet is there are some amusing stories.
Charlie
_____________________________
Charlie "Action" Jackson
www.magmagnolia.com
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/2/2006 1:44:39 PM
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PORTASATGUY
Posts: 338
Joined: 9/15/2005
Home base: Homeless
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NICE SUBJECT, and I totally Agree with ACTION! Here is my Story…
As a young man I started an Remodeling Company in Texas, After a history of construction related jobs, Soon thereafter I was called upon by Insured’s take care of their loss, soon I was interpreting policies, and became a preferred vender of several insurance companies. After 20 some years of this I had built a MAJOR multi office well rounded Construction Company, and several other business and was into everything. Most of what I did and my core business was Construction both new and remodeling of Residential and commercial. And my largest clients were insurance companies.
Since the early 80’s I was doing heavy equipment loss estimates, and unknown to me, I was also scoping Residential & Commercial claims for the insurers, Doing EVERYTHING an IA Does, Including setteling claims for them utilizing an acceptance of My scope as they utilized my estimates to settle claims. (I did this to get the Jobs)
After the same 20 some odd years, I was VERY STRESSED OUT, working sometimes 16 – 18 hours per day. 30 – 40 projects at all times all over the USA. It took its toll on me, I found myself with stress related, serious health problems WAKE UP CALL FOR ME! HELLO LIFE IS WAY TOO SHORT!
I SOLD EVERYTHING, Business’s, Houses, building, Land, ALL Assets 100% of EVERYTHING, as soon as Our Daughter got married, the NEXT DAY, My Girl and I Took off in our RV. We traveled and had a great time for a few years, She is studying for her Doctorate degree, and so I built her a Satellite Internet system as her studies are mostly internet, Soon, in a short period of time I was building Systems for EVERYONE, and found myself always in the Catastrophe areas, as I was in Business for all those years.
I spoke to SEVERAL Adjusters, Knowing I had the mass experience, Know the software having used it or like software all these years, I was BORED and So was My Wife, We are only in mid 40’s and love to help people.
During Katrina I met several of you, and Bottom Line it was the Words and inspiration of two adjusters/good friends, DAVE HOOD,TOM & JANICE TOLL, RICHARD AYOUB, ROBERT MILLER, LARRY GROFF, CHUCK WOOD, to name a few (they prbobly dont even know it) which prompted us decide to get back into the business, in a different way, so we could still help people, travel, have a purpose, and make a few bucks. In that order.
We are Insuarance Adjusters for the RIGHT REASONS, And LOVING IT. Helping people is our Number one priority. Having the many years of experience and knowledge, background, and knowing the business to the point of way ahead of a lot of Adjusters these days, we felt it was the right thing to do.
The Only Difference in What I did all those years, and today is TODAY I am licensed. And today I are one! : )
How about everyone else?
< Message edited by PORTASATGUY -- 3/2/2006 3:02:55 PM >
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R. Estes
Life is short LIVE IT!
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/2/2006 1:57:38 PM
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Action
Posts: 109
Joined: 2/22/2006
Status: offline
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If I offend anyone with "attempted" humor, I sincerely apologize. I know there are adjusters out there--maybe most of you--who gave this industry much thought before choosing it as a career. I admire the years of stress, away-from-home, helping others,...that you've put into your career. God bless. I wish I'd have gotten into the business sooner. As I told someone, it's like an old, comfortable easy chair. My own "entry" story is kind of humorous. I mean no disrespect.
Charlie
_____________________________
Charlie "Action" Jackson
www.magmagnolia.com
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/2/2006 3:37:06 PM
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olderthendirt
Posts: 570
Joined: 4/19/2004
Home base: homeless
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A long time ago in a galaxy far away; I was looking for my first real job; Two offers, Arthur Murray dance studios or a major insurance company. I am tone deaf so I took the insurance job (which paid less). Now 35 years later i still havn't escaped.
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Still sliding down the razor blade of life
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/2/2006 5:19:35 PM
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ntzjazz
Posts: 56
Joined: 4/19/2004
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I started out as a staffer—all lines, and I mean ALL.
I had grown up around carpentry, worked with an electrcain, built my first house and had worked my way through college in a dealership body shop.
Upon college graduation, I saw the staff adjuster position as the perfect fit for my back ground and need for:
1. long term employment
2. benefits ( car, health insured, retirement etc)
3. required the sheep skin I had worked for
4. stop eating bondo and paint dust (hey the bodyshop money really was not that bad and had some benefits to, But was killing me)
5. was a profession that I could take pride in joining
I made the move to cat adjusting when my company stopped writing in Texas, then Louisiana and were threatening to close offices in my home state (which they did do and the company no longer exist). Since I live in a small town, Cat adjusting allowed me to continue my profession with out moving from my home town.
I have often thought of returning as a staffer—I liked a lot of things about it, but so far no opportunities have presented themselves at home. If the right train should come a long, I would jump back on the staff side for the home life. Been on the road since hugo.............
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/2/2006 5:24:25 PM
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doppler
Posts: 79
Joined: 7/12/2005
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I was a roofer for 30 years. Don't throw things at me. My dad made me do it. I have been an adjuster for 6 months and will NEVER go back. I had no idea I would like it so much. I am currently working clean-up and never thought I would learn so much. I just hope none of my files look like some of the re-opens I've worked. Although as I think back, some of those could be mine.
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/2/2006 5:55:17 PM
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Action
Posts: 109
Joined: 2/22/2006
Status: offline
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Thank you.
I read the article and may comment on it more later. Bottom line are the percentages of damaged homes against complaints. "In my opinion," the article is biased.
The last two paragraphs are telling: As an adjuster (or author) I would need more information than the article allows.
The deductible on the home I live in is $3,600. No matter how I penciled the damage, I could not come near that deductible (damage was from Katrina). No matter how hard I stare at the policy, or wish the insurer would waive that deductible, it does not change. I get what I pay for.
Did the insured have a contractor estimate for $3,000 of 100 feet of damaged fence--or was that for the entire fence? Did he give the estimates/invoices to the adjuster? How was the fence damaged (trees, wind,...)? What are the Citzen policy provisions?
< Message edited by Action -- 3/2/2006 6:14:06 PM >
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Charlie "Action" Jackson
www.magmagnolia.com
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/2/2006 6:24:33 PM
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Medulus
Posts: 367
Joined: 4/19/2004
Home base: Lake Ariel, PA
Status: offline
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Now that am thinking like an ajooster, Action. Don't ever expect the answer to questions like that from any media outlet. They just roam the streets until they find someone who is disgruntled, and voila -- a story.
_____________________________
Steve Ebner
"With great power comes great responsibility." (Stanley Lieber, Amazing Fantasy # 15 August 1962)
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/3/2006 1:17:33 AM
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Action
Posts: 109
Joined: 2/22/2006
Status: offline
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Hey, Goose--further comment on article.
IMHO, when you flood any market, there is both good and bad. Such is the case with CAT Adjusters. I would like to see the independent companies be more picky when the enormity of several successive storms hit an area like the gulf coast, but if you think about it, there's little time for that.
So it's sink or swim for those (I was one) adjusters who get the call--again, my opinion from observation. Most of the warm bodies drop like flies within a week or two, for various reasons. Money is a primary consideration in getting started, followed closely by how well one applies himself or herself. The need for the insured to be contacted, scoped, and the claim closed (I think within 20 days in Florida--correct me if wrong) is pressing. Of course there are extenuating and extending circumstances that a state's insurance commisioner office takes into consideration.
Some of the new adjusters, working under the 90 or 180 day emergency license umbrella, are bound to make it through, merely by chance--their "closed" claims aren't clean because they ddin't take the time to proof them, wrong numbers are entered, erroneous or missed information isn't discovered until clean up, etc. These are many of the 3K to 4K complaint-claims (out of 500,00 or 140,000--whatever).
On the other hand, there are lots of hardworking newbies with common sense and good organizational and people skills. Some lean on the checks and balances provided--like field managers (you pros), admin, and other more experienced adjusters. These are the self-starters. Some may have related industry backgrounds, others just seem to catch on. The article fails to mention all the good these dedicated CAT Adjusters did, and the vast majority of "customers" they satisfied. In every sense, they handled themselves in a professional manner.
Charlie
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Charlie "Action" Jackson
www.magmagnolia.com
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/3/2006 1:19:09 AM
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Action
Posts: 109
Joined: 2/22/2006
Status: offline
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olderthendirt: Now that's a laugher.
< Message edited by Action -- 3/3/2006 1:45:56 AM >
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Charlie "Action" Jackson
www.magmagnolia.com
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/3/2006 1:24:45 AM
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Action
Posts: 109
Joined: 2/22/2006
Status: offline
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ntzjazz:
Great entry to the business. You handled many claims before field work, then? Sensible approach. Nice to cyber-know you.
By any chance, are yuo a jazz fan?
< Message edited by Action -- 3/3/2006 1:43:53 AM >
_____________________________
Charlie "Action" Jackson
www.magmagnolia.com
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/3/2006 1:34:00 AM
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Action
Posts: 109
Joined: 2/22/2006
Status: offline
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Doppler, have had working relationships with roofers. Don't envy that job.
A few years ago, I found 45 squares of architectural shingles in a Mississippi salvage yard. The only thing wrong with them was discoloration at the top--covered by the next row. I paid $15/square and hauled them back to Mobile in a U-Haul truck. Right before I got to an I-10 tunnel , I had a blowout. Lucky to be alive. I'll do anything to save a buck.
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Charlie "Action" Jackson
www.magmagnolia.com
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RE: I Are an Adjuster--How'd That Happen? - 3/3/2006 2:55:19 PM
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Action
Posts: 109
Joined: 2/22/2006
Status: offline
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Goose, hope we're not wearing this subject out, but had to get home to find this on my Favorites--http://www.citizensfla.com/--knew somewhere in the back of my mind that I'd saved it. I think the outcome and statistics demonstrate more good than bad from the invasion of new CAT adjusters. Could be, simply because some of the better prospects made it through the gauntlet.
I'm not saying there weren't freaky things happening--one gal left photos and paperwork scattered all over her room, not to mention some of the ridiculous things she told and promised insureds she'd already seen. One of my adjuster roomates and I cleaned that mess. Both of us were/are low on "adjuster" experience, but (IMHO) high on common sense. I think it was that two brain synergy thing :).
Anyhow, there's no doubt (from what I've seen) that industry companies should train adjusters in a more professional manner, too. (Sorry, if you're listening.) These new adjusters, crammed with information from every direction, mostly a fast how-to on the software, walk around in a daze. Having experience in a related industry such as roofing, building, remodeling, *building supply sales,...helps clear the daze sooner.
There are things, however, one can do to clear the murky waters faster (if I may be so bold with some lifetime credits and index just two items):
- Copy and index every phone number, e-mail, web site you are given during training to one page. (This was invaluable for me when I needed advice and did not have to look up the "expert" who okay'd my calls.)
- Write yourself a "flowchart" of the claims process. It's important you write it yourself, because the "author becomes the expert"--it sticks. Begin with a "START" box and at the other end of the page, label a "CLOSED" box, then start filling middle boxes as much as you can. Pass it to others for proofing. I have a good one that helped adjusters during Wilma understand the process--as it did me. I'd be glad to share it here if only for the sake of running it by the more experienced. (I hope I don't sound condescending--just something I've done in a past life.)
Charlie
*PS: Building Supply salesmen would be good ones for industry companies to go after because they do hundreds of takeoffs and cost estimates on house plans. They usually have a background in building too, and everything an adjuster does with software, they do by hand (mostly). They know what a mullion is and they have "people skills."
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Charlie "Action" Jackson
www.magmagnolia.com
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